Book Information: Vathek

Vathek (1786), originally written in French, remains one of the strangest eighteenth-century and one of the most difficult to classify. Perverse and grotesque comedy alternate with scenes of 'oriental' magnificence and evocative beauty in the story of the ruthless Caliph Vathek's journey to superb damnation among the subterranean treasures of Eblis. Underlying the elegant prose and pervading the whole of the novel is a strong element of self-indulgent personal fantasy on the part of Beckford himself, youthful millionaire, dreamer, and eventually social outcast. Byron, Poe, Mallarmé, and Swinburne are but a few of the literary figures who have admired Vathek's imaginative power.

Written originally in French in 1782, it was first published in English in 1786 from a translation by Reverend Samuel Henley. It was first published in French in 1787.

Original title: Vathek, an Arabian TaleAlternative titles: The History of the Caliph VathekOriginal languages:
French